Mission
To support people during times of crisis by providing compassionate, temporary care for their pets.
Crisis Foster Care 101
When pet owners are in crisis, we house their dog or cat in a loving foster home until the owner is back on their feet. What’s a crisis? Hospitalization, housing loss, domestic violence, addiction treatment, incarceration, natural disaster, or any other event that leaves a pet owner temporarily unable to care for their beloved pet.
Want to support people and pets through crisis?
Values
I. Honor the dignity of every person and pet.
Pawster believes every person is doing their best. We walk alongside people in their most difficult times. Honoring people’s dignity means doing everything we can to acknowledge their innate power in every situation. We are partners with them in reaching the best outcome possible for their family and their pets. We believe pets are beings of innate worth.
II. Work toward a more just world.
Pawster’s mission is about justice. No one should have to choose between a family member and caring for their own health, safety and wellbeing. Our work is grounded in a vision of the world in which all people and pets have the freedom to live life to its fullest.
III. Treat pets as vital members of a family.
Companion animals are members of a family. Pawster’s mission is about keeping families together, and companion animals are just as vital to a family as any other member.
IV. Listen to and include all voices in the community.
Everyone deserves a seat at the table. When making decisions, all stakeholders hold a perspective that is invaluable to Pawster fulfilling its mission. Whether that person is a pet parent, a volunteer, a donor, or a staff person, their opinion matters.Crisis Foster Care 101
The Problem
Have you ever wondered how a pet ends up in the shelter?
Long before many cats or dogs ever end up in a shelter, they have a loving home. But life happens, and owners feel they have no choice but to surrender their pet. Housing loss, hospitalization, domestic violence, incarceration, addiction treatment, natural disaster – in these sudden crises, pet owners often have no choice but to surrender their pet.
The Solution
Pawster gives pet owners a different choice.
When a pet owner is in crisis, we house their cat or dog in a loving foster home suited to each pet’s individual needs, until the owner is ready to reunite. While in foster care, every pet receives a wellness check, annual vaccinations, a microchip, preventative medication, spay/neuter surgery, and grooming, all as needed. Your gifts go directly to provide pet supplies, vet care and grooming for cats and dogs in foster care.
Our network of “Pawster Fosters” make up the core of our work. They come from all walks of life, just like our pet owners. There are no specific requirement to be a Pawster Foster, other than a love of animals and the desire to help a family through a hard time.
To become a Pawster Foster, sign up here!
We also have plenty of other volunteer opportunities for anyone who wants to be a part of the Pawster family.
To volunteer with Pawster, sign up here!
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